A metaphor of balance

SURF THERAPY

What is Surf Therapy?

Surf Therapy, or Ocean Therapy, is a very recent development in psychotherapy treatment widely used for veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), combat stress, depression, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other life-threatening injuries. Today, addiction psychiatrists find relevant uses for Surf Therapy to treat substance abuse disorders and co-occurring disorders associated with drug addiction. As the name implies, Surf Therapy utilizes the ocean for its mental health benefits, such as increasing self-efficacy, alleviating insomnia, and improving cognitive concentration.

Why Surf Therapy for Addiction Treatment?

For those who are recovering from alcohol and drug addiction, surfing is a metaphor for balance and it challenges patients to think outside of the box as they learn to balance their internal processes amidst life’s shifting, unpredictable demands. The physical challenges of surfing parallel the emotional and mental processes that the patient has long avoided when he was still shackled in addiction. Ocean therapy forces the individual to face and deal with the emotional triggers brought on by surfing, and the addiction therapist walks with the individual by helping him process feelings of disappointment, failure, loss of control and other emotional responses.

Benefits of Surf Therapy in Addictionology

Mindfulness – Surfing forces individuals to be “present in the moment” so that they can maintain balance on a surfboard. Being mindful, or “present in the moment,” is important for people in recovery because it helps them to release years of guilt and shame that they’ve carried over past failures. Learning to enjoy momentary pleasures helps patients to navigate more easily through the waters of life.

Natural reduction of cravings – Surfing is one of nature’s best alternative drug-free methods to diminishing one’s cravings for drugs and alcohol. The adrenaline rush of surfing feeds one’s thrill-seeking thirst for adventure. The mastery of the sport contributes to one’s overall sense of accomplishment and there is never a dull moment in ocean therapy.

Relief for Insomnia – This water sport is so physically demanding and exhausting that it will wipe you out. This results in better sleep and possibly eliminating insomnia altogether.

Self-sufficiency – Surf lessons teach the individual how to survive alone in deep waters, therefore increasing self-efficacy. This learned skill transfers to other areas in life and produces a sense of self-sufficiency.